Hovey, Scribner Optimistic Over Greenridge Waterline Plan

A less-expensive, alternative proposal to provide potable water to a Brookfield housing development has Representatives David Scribner and DebraLee Hovey encouraged about ending a controversy rankling residents there and in Newtown.

The water supply for residents in the Greenridge Tax District in Brookfield is contaminated by uranium, and state health and utility officials are considering a permit that would have United Water Co. construct a line that would carry water from their supply in neighboring Newtown. Problem is, residents in Newtown are worried about a drain on their water as well as the headaches that go with construction. What’s more, Greenridge residents have balked at absorbing the cost of the multi-million dollar project.

Brookfield resident Scribner and Hovey, who represents Newtown, have worked with local and state officials to reach a solution that everyone can live with.

“Our intent is to provide residents with potable water with the least expensive price tag, with the least amount of disruption,” said Scribner a member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. “With this latest plan, we’ve moved much closer to that goal.”

Rep. Hovey votes to sustain Gov. Rell’s veto of additional taxpayer funds for campaigns

State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-112) today voted to sustain Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s veto of a bill that would grant an additional $3 million to finance the political campaign of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy.

Rep. Hovey voted against the S.B. 551 when it was first before the state House on July 30. The bill did eventually pass, and was subsequently vetoed by the Governor. On a party line vote today, the veto was over-ridden by the super-majority Democrats.

“At a time when Connecticut is facing record deficits projected to be $7 billion in the next two years, it is irresponsible to be doling out $3 million more in taxpayer funds to be used on political campaigns,” said Rep. Hovey. “I support Gov. Rell’s decision to veto this bill, as we try and get Connecticut’s economy back on track and get its fiscal house in order.”

Recent court rulings have found that the so-called “trigger” grants designed to offset campaign money from self-funding candidates violates the First Amendment guarantees to free speech. Despite those rulings, the majority party decided to use legislative fiat to achieve what they wanted.

Hovey Attends ‘Women in Government’ Conference on Sustainable Transportation

State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112) recently attended the Women in Government Conference on “Sustainable Transportation: On the Road to Better Communities” in Newport, RI.

Rep. Hovey was a facilitator for the presentation on State Transportation Priorities:Federal, State Regulatory and State Legislative Roles.  The presentation focused on how the federal government provides more than $50 billion a year to the states for national infrastructure, allowing states to set priorities and objectives. How these priorities are set differs from state to state, but cooperation is essential. The session provided an overview of the importance of this funding to states and how state legislatures and state agencies can work together to guide priorities for spending these funds.

Hovey Joins Governor Rell for Signing of Emergency Responder Bill

Rep. DebraLee Hovey, who represents Monroe and Newtown, attended the event along with firefighters. Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed bill 5282: An act Concerning Firefighters, Police Offices and Workers’ Compensation Claims Pertaining to Certain Diseases.

The bill states uniformed members of paid municipal or volunteer fire departments, regular members of municipal police departments or constables, or members of volunteer ambulance services shall be eligible for benefits for any disease arising out of an in the course of employment.

Rep. Hovey Hosts Forum on Connecticut’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112) will be hosting Commissioner Peter Boynton of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to discuss Connecticut’s current state of readiness. 

He will be discussing awareness and preparation of individuals and communities in the event of a terror threat.  In addition, the predictions for the current hurricane season are serious and potentially catastrophic.  The Commissioner will be addressing storm response and preparation at length. 

The event will be held on Monday, June 28, at 7 PM in the Monroe Town Hall.

“Residents who want to know about Connecticut’s preparation for a disaster or how they can better prepare themselves and their family will not want to miss this,” said Representative Hovey.

Click here for more details.